Vaginal Sex

For most people, “having sex” means vaginal sex, having the penis inserted into the vagina. Having vaginal sex the first time can be slightly uncomfortable for women, when the hymen stretches or tears but becomes easier and more comfortable after the first time. It is normal for some women that there is some bleeding the first time they have sex, butone should seek medical advice if it continues to happen. At times, a woman might feel slight discomfort if her vagina isn’t lubricated enough, therefore using a water-based lubricant might be helpful. Also, it could mean that your partner is going too fast or needs to slow down, or you might try a different position that feels more comfortable. Although the vagina is self-lubricating (i.e. it secretes a fluid that acts as lubrication), applying lubrication decreases the chance of a condom breaking and can make sex more comfortable and heighten pleasure.

During sexual intercourse, the vaginal muscles stretch to accommodate the penis and a woman could achieve orgasm if the clitoris is stimulated, but this may not happen every time. It is thought that few women orgasm every time they have sex (Leiblum 2007). As a woman becomes more aroused, blood continues to flow to the pelvic area, breathing becomes heavier, the heart rate increases, nipples become erect, and the lower part of the vagina narrows in order to grip the penis while the upper part expands. A large amount of nerve and muscle tension builds up in the genitals, pelvis, buttocks and thighs which is then involuntarily released in a series of waves.

Vaginal sex can lead to pregnancy and Sexually Acquired Infections, even if it is the first time one is having sex.